A manufacturer uses a 28 x 41 metal sheet to construct an open box by cutting out squares from each corner. What length square should be cut to maximize volume?

4 answers

let each side of the squares cut out be x units
length of box = 41-2x
width of box = 28-2x
height of box = x

volume = x(41-2x)(28-2x)
expand and simplify, you will have a cubic
find the derivative, that will be a quadratic
set it equal to zero, and solve using the quadratic formula
H035
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